Damon Blue Chip came flying late to get his 50th career victory on Friday night (Oct. 8) at Vernon Downs.
Driven by Ben McNeil, Damon Blue Chip closed from mid-field in the final quarter to prevail in 1:54.1 by three-quarters of a length over Peter Pumpkineater and Dreamlands Art. The 12-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover is owned by Heather Marshall and trained by Jack McNeil. He paid $14.60 for the win.
Match My Miracle ($5.60) and driver Brett Crawford won Friday's featured $5,500 trot.
Match My Miracle took control from the quick-leaving Mr French just before hitting the first quarter in :27.3. He then slowed things down using a :31 second quarter breather to hit the half in :58.3. Phoenician was the first to make a move going first-up around the final turn, but Match My Miracle shook him off and led to three-quarters in 1:28.2. As they reached the stretch, Mr French went to the inside and Kolin came three-wide. Match My Miracle was too strong though and won easily in 1:56.2. Kolin was second-best with Mr French getting third money.
Match My Miracle is a five-year-old gelding by Imagistic. He is trained by Margaret Spagnola for owners Our Blue Streaks Stable and David Spagnola. The win was his sixth of the season and the 15th of his career.
Justin Huckabone drove four winners on the card. His wins came with Seven Credits ($5.80), Chicwinner ($4.30), The Big Bankroll ($40) and Siros Blue Chip ($15.20).
Leon Bailey leads all drivers this season at Vernon with 111 wins. Huckabone is second on the list with 73 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 46 trips to the winner’s circle while Chris Long (38) is fourth. Frank Affrunti and John MacDonald are tied for fifth with 21 wins.
Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 31 wins. Jessica Okusko and Huckabone are tied for second-best with 25 victories. Kerin Warner (22) and George Ducharme (20) round out the top five.
Live racing continues at Vernon on Saturday with a 10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)